Description Has the bushiest tail of any ground squirrel. Back is typically a buff gray, and is marked with flecks of white; this spotting sometimes producing a wavy striped appearance, but never the white shoulder markings of O. beecheyi. Often has varying amounts of black on the back; this may be across the head, shoulders, back, or entire body. Head varies from pinkish buff to brown. Has conspicuous white crescents above and below the eyes. Tail not as bushy as tree squirrels. Rarely climbs trees. Males are larger.

Dimensions 470-500mm, 190-230mm, 450-875g

Habitat Canyons & caves, Cities, suburbs & towns, Deserts

Range Plains, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Texas, California

Discussion Hibernation is short and intermittent. Typically colonial. Lives in rocky canyons, cliffs, and hillsides.